Kitching

Background

Kitching is a British surname of Northern English origin. The name is derived from the Old English word "Cyta," meaning kite, and the diminutive suffix "-ing," denoting "son of." Over time, this evolved into Kiting and later to Kitching.

Distribution and Frequency

The surname Kitching is particularly prevalent in Yorkshire and the surrounding regions in Northern England. Historical records show concentrations of individuals bearing this surname in areas such as Leeds, Bradford, and York.

Notable Individuals

Notable individuals with the surname Kitching include:

  • Arthur Kitching (1871–1950) – A British botanist known for his significant contributions to the study of fungi.
  • Ben Kitching (b. 1985) – A professional footballer who has played for various clubs in England and internationally.
  • Kate Kitching (1921–1999) – An influential British historian specialising in medieval European history.

Variants

Throughout history, the surname Kitching has been recorded with various spelling variations, including Kitchin, Kitchingman, and Kitchinge.

Conclusion

The surname Kitching carries a rich heritage of Northern England and has been borne by individuals known for their achievements in diverse fields. Its prevalence in Yorkshire and the surrounding regions underscores its longstanding presence in British history.

There are approximately 4,874 people named Kitching in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,936th most common surname in Britain. Around 75 in a million people in Britain are named Kitching.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Thomas

Female

  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Joan
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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